The second China-Central Asia Summit concluded in Astana this week, solidifying a new era of collaboration across security, trade, and sustainability. With 110 outcomes including the Treaty of Permanent Good-Neighborliness and the Astana Declaration, the summit marked a milestone in regional integration.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's proposed 'China-Central Asia Spirit' – emphasizing mutual respect and joint modernization – underpinned agreements spanning green mineral development, AI cooperation, and three specialized centers for poverty reduction, desert control, and education. Trade between China and Central Asia has doubled since 2013 to $93.7 billion in 2024, with new platforms set to accelerate growth.
Dr. Cui Zheng of Liaoning University highlighted the strategic significance of the desertification control center: 'This addresses both ecological sustainability and food security in one of the world's most water-scarce regions.' The education exchange center builds on surging cultural ties, with over 1.2 million China-Kazakhstan border crossings recorded last year.
Notably, Uzbekistan's poverty rate dropped to 8.9% in 2024 through collaborative programs, demonstrating the practical impact of China-Central Asia partnerships. The summit outcomes align with Belt and Road Initiative goals, particularly in infrastructure modernization and technology transfer.
